Duo Yamamoto takes the gold at Dranoff 2 Piano Competition

Sisters Ayaka and Yuka Yamamoto took the Gold Prize and $25,000 Thursday night at the 12th Dranoff International 2 Piano Competition, The Japanese team, Duo Yamamoto, performed Poulenc’s Concerto for 2 pianos and orchestra in D minor at Gusman Concert Hall.

The Silver Prize ($15,000) was awarded to Duo Yoo and Kim of South Korea, and the Bronze Prize ($10,000) went to Duo imPuls from Germany.

Duo Yamamoto’s victory was seen as something of an upset, considering that duo imPuls had swept the three best performance prizes during the competition as well as the audience favorite award.